Which flat iron/straightener is best?

I'm looking to buy a new flat iron/straightener. My hair is thick, wavy, and frizzy. I straighten my hair every day (I use a heat protector, no worries!) and I've previously only used a Chi, but all the ones I've had have broken or don't help me get the silky straightness I get when I go to the salon. Suggestions?

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

I got my Chi for maybe $50 including the shipping, probably due to it being the previous year model and a "breast cancer awareness pink" edition. It's light weight and heats quickly, the only thing I wish it had is a multi-setting temperature control.

All in all it does what I need and quite well....as long as I don't drop it on my leg or trip on the really really long cord.

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

There are may good flat irons out there. I have the same type of hair as you do. I have had my CHI flat iron for over 10+ years and only problem with it is that it turns off and on when it feels like and I cant turn the switch off because it's just stuck on "ON". But it still works...

I use Tresemme Heat Protectant, along with this argan oil spray which works really well when I straighten it giving my hair shine throughout. I have tried Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Treatment and it works great for frizz and shine. I have a bottle similar to that but its from the states. But still works as great as that one.

Another great product I am actually using right now is OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weighless Healing Dry Oil. There are other ones in that same brand you just need to read the bottle of what you want. And I apply that before blow drying and once I straighten it works so good for frizz.

But, if you use certain products to suit your hair type, it will work great with your flat iron.

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

My hair is crazy thick and frizzy so I have to straighten it to tame it. I previously had a T3 that lasted me about 3-4 years. When it finally died on me I thought I should try a cheaper option so I got a Conair one and it is AMAZING. I will never pay more for a straightener ever again. I was shocked that a straightener costing around $30 could do a way better job than the $300 one.

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

I've been using TS-2 Millennium Professional Flat Iron and absolutely love it. I didn't expect to since I'd never heard of the brand and while it wasn't the cheapest one I'd tried it also wasn't the most expensive one either. I actually find it a lot more comfortable to hold (I have a thick head of hair so this is key) and easier to use than all the other ones I've tried, Chi included. I use with my Davines Oi serum & Davines This is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid and my hair feels quite silky afterwards. (And like you, my hair is also thick, wavy, and frizzy.) One thing I love about this iron is the way the tip of the iron is, it makes it easier to get all the way to the root.

Also, do you make sure your hair is COMPETELY dry before straightening? I'm sure you do, but I've found the days I get lazy and don't my hair never feels and looks as good as when I do.

That said, I also had a T3 rep once use their straightener on me (Singlepass Professional) and I thought it also did a nice job. I also have the Ghd Limited Edition Pastel Collection Classic Flat Iron Styler, Periwinkle, 1 Inch coming in the mail this week (It was a gift, otherwise I'd stick with the TS-2 as I've been quite happy). so I'm curious to see how it compares.

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

My hair isnt very thick but it is wavy and does frizz up often. For years I swore by an Ion straightener that I would purchase from Sallys every few years. When the latest died I wanted to try something new and couldnt decide so I went with a $30 Remmington ceramic straightener from Ulta until I did more research on the next one. It does just as good a job as my $100 ion straightener did. My hair is long and I can straighten it in 10-15 minutes when I take my time.

Re: Which flat iron/straightener is best?

I would like to state that I have not bought or used any of the irons sold by Sephora. They may be fabulous for all I know! Now, I have bought a variety of irons from other brands through the years. The most expensive being a PYT flat iron at $239.00. It was okay, does what it says, but doesn't perform any better than less expensive brands. What PYT does right is use solid ceramic plates... rather than ceramic coated metal plates. If you use a flat iron frequently, ceramic coats wear off and damage hair. What PYT does wrong create a sharp edge on their plates to scrape over hair, thus creating some damage?! The cheapest would have been you're typical Walmart/Walgreens $19.99 type jobs. Really not the best for even heat and damage protection. The best iron was a Jibere deep curve smoothing iron from Salley's. It was around $40.00. It created volume from the root, and smoothed the length, while creating shape in a single sweep. I used it to death, and can't find another! If you're interested, I hope you can! LoL The irons I'm thinking of trying next are Solia and Sedu.